Bull Durham

May 4, 2012

“Man, that ball got outta here in a hurry.”

It’s time for more 80s baseball movies, ladies and gentlemen! This week, we’re talking about Bull Durham, Ron Shelton’s 1988 tribute to the minor leagues. If there ever was a film to compare religion to baseball to sex, this would be that film. Join us — Pete Wright and Andy Nelson — as we talk about what works (the script), what doesn’t (the actors, at least two in particular for Pete), and why this film goes down in the pantheon of greatest sports films made. Aside from Pete’s problems with Susan Sarandon in this film and Kevin Costner in most films, we discuss the great Tim Robbins and how much he’s really bringing to the table as “Nuke” Laloosh. We discuss Ron Shelton, how he got to the point where he was able to make this film, and where he is now. We also chat about where this film fits as far as genre and what Shelton’s really doing with this film — it’s much more a character piece than a story about a team trying to win the big game (or a romantic comedy sports movie — romcomspofi — as Wikipedia claims). While we’re at odds about the43 acting, we both think the script is solid, and are happy to discuss it this week. Listen in!

When the movie ends, our conversation begins.

THE NEXT REEL FILM PODCAST is a funny and informative show in which co-hosts Andy Nelson and Pete Wright discuss one movie at length, from its origins to its performance and everything in between. Each movie is a part of a series, covering everything from directors to actors, key crew members to genres, years to themes. THE NEXT REEL FILM PODCAST also runs several other series: TNR SPEAKEASY, TNR FILM BOARD and TNR SHORTS.

THE NEXT REEL FILM BOARD is a show in which Justin Jaeger hosts an in-depth panel discussion about a new film just released in theatres.

THE NEXT REEL SPEAKEASY is a show in which a film industry insider joins us for an episode to discuss one of their favorite movies and how it inspires them in their own work.

And THE NEXT REEL SHORTS is a collection of shows and miniseries offering interviews, analysis and commentary curated by producer Steve Sarmento.

All images copyright their respective owners. The Next Reel theme Ragtime Instrumental and TNR Film Board theme Crawling King Snake by Eli Catlin, CC BY 3.0